Lincoln SU awarded for venue safety

This article was originally published in the Freshers 2015 print edition of The Linc. If you’re a student and want to get your work in print, send us an email and get involved!

The University of Lincoln Students’ Union officially has the second safest student union venues in the country.

This comes as the SU were put in the top five safest venues at the National Union of Students 2015 awards.

The award follows their Best Bar None gold prize, which was awarded back in April.

Tower Bars, the Engine Shed, and The Swan were all taken over by Lincoln SU in 2014.

Wade Baverstock, Vice-President for Welfare and Community, believes it’s a testament to the hard work the union have put in. “I think it’s great that not only can students come here to have a great time, but can do so knowing they are in one of the safest spaces in the UK,” he said.

“If you think, we only took over these venues last year and look how far they have come. It’s fantastic – and it’s due to all of the hard work we and our staff have put in.

“Our staff are trained so that if anything does happen it can be sorted straight away.”

The national Best Bar None scheme is backed by the Home Office and helps to recognise the importance of safety when running bars, ensuring staff are first aid trained, targeting binge drinking and ensuring licensing is upheld.

For students feeling vulnerable or at risk on campus, Wade feels there are enough policies in place, but word needs to get out on how they can access the available support. He added: “We have systems and policies in place, but I think it’s a struggle with students knowing where to go.”

It is hoped that the SU’s new advice centre, which opens on September 25, will also help students to feel safe and supported on campus. The centre will be a place students can take their problems to independent advisers, or be directed to other services for further help.